The Eli Ripple Effect: Doing Good in Our Community

When you first meet Eli, he seems like any other second grader.  He likes math, art, recess, and building snowmen with his friends.  But scratch the surface, and you’ll find a special seven year old boy overflowing with compassion and kindness towards others. 

Eli is the son of our Administrator Sue Pappas.  Eli has fond memories from an early age of accompanying his parents, both of whom work with the elderly, to nursing homes.  On occasion, he witnessed vulnerable residents who seemed to need a voice, reminding him of how kids were bullied at school.  Rather than accept the status quo, he decided to do something about it. 

“When I was in first grade, I saw a lot of kids in school get into arguments, and judge other people. Because I can speak up for myself, I got treated good, but others couldn’t and didn’t get treated good.”  He formed his own Peace Club at school, providing him an avenue to speak up for others.   

First, Eli let his friends know that he was available to help them if they encountered any problems with his classmates.  Then, he observed his friends on the playground, watching their interactions and helping out when the need arose.  Soon, he was in high demand. 

Eli recounted a recent incident on the playground, when his classmate Nancy asked him for help.  Nancy’s friend was hogging the climbing bar she wanted to climb on, and Eli quickly told them, “We should share.”  “And because you have to have consequences to make a difference, if you don’t share I will tell the teacher,” he said.  Soon the problem was resolved.

It’s not easy to think of solutions to interpersonal problems on the spot, but it’s not hard for Eli.  “It just comes naturally,” he said, “And when I need advice I ask my parents or meditate to find the answer.”

As the founding member of the club, Eli expressed a real commitment to his work.   “I just want to help and do my best.”  Perhaps nothing shows his passion more than the fact that his teachers are unaware of what he’s been doing to help his friends.  “That is all right with me,” Eli said.   Learning to do things for their intrinsic value, rather than for the recognition they might bring, demonstrates a level of maturity that some adults never reach.

What’s in the future for such a kind young boy?  Eli summed it up best when he said, “I don’t know if I’ll change, be the same or become famous.  Not sure.”  Irrespective, we can definitely expect great things.

As I listened to Eli recount his journey I was reminded of the ripple effect of throwing one rock into a lake and watching the waves reverberate outward.  For Eli, his parent’s commitment to helping the elderly helped infuse this young boy with an endearing compassion for others.  It is a reflection of how the passion Juniper team members have for their work reverberates beyond the facilities and into the larger community.

This Eli Ripple Effect is present in many Juniper experiences among staff, residents, and communities.  In future posts, I will showcase more of the stories that exemplify this unique character of Juniper Communities.